Question

I feel that Allah has created humans differently, and so are their responses to stimuli. Naturally, this means their responses to Divine Guidance will also vary—some will accept it, and some will not. Since the Creator of human nature is Allah, if He has created someone with a disposition that leads them to reject Divine Guidance, how can they be blamed for it? Conversely, if someone is naturally inclined to accept and follow His guidance, why should they be rewarded for it?

Answer

God has indeed created humans with different abilities and circumstances. However, His justice ensures that no one is burdened beyond their capacity (Qur’an 2:286). Accountability in Islam is based on a person’s knowledge, circumstances, and intentions (Qur’an 6:165). Those who sincerely strive to seek and follow Divine Guidance, despite their challenges, are rewarded for their efforts. Conversely, those who knowingly reject guidance despite having the capacity to recognize it are held accountable for their choices.

In Islam, reward and punishment are based on effort and intention rather than mere outcomes. Whether or not a person ultimately reaches the truth is secondary—what matters is their sincere endeavor in seeking and following it. Likewise, those who consciously reject Divine Guidance, despite understanding it reasonably well, bear responsibility for their deliberate choices.

Rejection of Divine Guidance can stem from arrogance and bias, but it may also result from external factors such as misrepresentation of religion by its proponents or a lack of proper knowledge and understanding. Human comprehension is limited, whereas God’s wisdom encompasses aspects beyond our grasp. Trusting in His justice is an essential part of faith, acknowledging that He alone fully understands each individual’s circumstances and intentions.

Hope this helps.

Mushfiq Sultan
Al-Mawrid